Stateville Inmate Dies, Several Others on Ventilators After Testing Positive for Coronavirus

12 inmates at the facility have been hospitalized as a result of the virus

Published March 30, 2020•Updated on March 30, 2020 at 4:24 pm

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An inmate at Stateville Correctional Center in suburban
Crest Hill has died after testing positive for coronavirus, and at least 12
other men have been hospitalized because of the virus.

Of those 12 men hospitalized, several have required
ventilators, according to state health officials. A total of 77 detainees at
the facility are currently experiencing symptoms and are being isolated at the
prison.

“Our focus right now is that these incarcerated individuals
receive the medical care they deserve and need,” Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of
the Illinois Department of Public Health, said.

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As is the case with any correctional facility, a positive
COVID-19 test triggered a lockdown order at Stateville, preventing movement
around the facility.

Staff at the prison are having their temperature checked at
the beginning of their shifts, according to state health officials. A total of
11 staff members have reported coronavirus symptoms, but it’s unclear how many
have tested positive for the virus at this time.

Stateville is just the latest prison in the state to deal with
inmates testing positive for COVID-19. As of Sunday, 101 inmates at the Cook
County Jail have tested positive for the virus, while nearly 100 more currently
have tests pending.